The Prom

Cast

CHARACTER                                                                                                ACTOR
Emma Nolan.....................................................................................................JHONIKA WRIGHT*
Alyssa Greene..................................................................................................GRACIE BRANTLEY*
Barry Glickman...................................................................................................JOSEPH SPIOTTA
Dee Dee Allen.....................................................................................LARA ALLRED SWALLEN**
Mr. Hawkins.................................................................................................................CLYDE MOSER
Mrs. Greene...........................................................................................................JENNA NEWMAN
Trent Oliver......................................................................................................................RYAN PIXLER**
Angie Dickinson/Understudy for Dee Dee Allen............................DAYNA NEVERS**
Student Ensemble......................................................................................JAH’MAR COAKLEY**
Student Ensemble..............................................................................BRENDAN CONSIDINE*
Student Ensemble...............................................................................................XANIE DANIELS
Student Ensemble.......................................................................................CODY ELSENSOHN*
Student Ensemble................................................................................................JACOB FEIGHT
Student Ensemble........................................................................................CAITLYN FORTNER
Student Ensemble.........................................................................................SYBIL FREEDMAN
Adult Ensemble..........................................................................................BRIETTA GOODMAN*
Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Angie Dickinson..................CHERIE KAUFMAN
Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Mrs. Greene.......................................ELIZA KNODE*
Student Ensemble............................................................................ANTHONY T. MATREJEK**
Student Ensemble/Understudy for Emma Nolan..........................KYRA MCKILLIP*
Adult Ensemble..................................................................................................................MARY OTT
Student Ensemble..............................................................................................ELLIE SCHRUPP
Student Ensemble..........................................................................................MADELINE SMITH
Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Trent Oliver..................DOMINICK VENTRELLA*
Adult Ensemble......................................................................................................COLIN WATERS**
Sheldon/Understudy for Mr. Hawkins....................................................EDDIE WEAVER*
Student Ensemble/Understudy for Alyssa Greene..................CHLOË WENDLER*
Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Barry Glickman.....MATTHEW WILLINGHAM
 
* Member, Charleston Stage Resident Acting Company
** Member, Charleston Stage Acting Ensemble

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDERI

GRACIE BRANTLEY (Alyssa Greene)
Gracie is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage’s Resident Acting Company for their 46th season! Originally from Tennille, GA, Gracie studied acting at Columbus State University where she graduated with a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance. Her previous productions include the Riverside Theater’s productions of Pippin (Leading Player) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), both of which she received an Irene Ryan nomination for. While in school, she often worked at Georgia's Historic State Theater, the Springer Opera House, where she was involved in productions such as The Bodyguard (Karaoke Girl/Back-up Singer Swing), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Ensemble/ Shy U.S.), and educational children’s theatre productions of Click Clack Moo (Cow 1) and The Rainbow Fish Musical (Starfish). Recently, Gracie won Region 4 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s Irene Ryan award for Classical Acting. Keep up with Gracie through Instagram: @gracierbrantley.

JAH'MAR COAKLEY (Student Ensemble)
Jah'Mar is a Charleston native, graduating from the College of Charleston with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Arts Management. His first show with Charleston Stage was in 2018 as a member of the ensemble for Mamma Mia! He has since then been seen in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, Bright Star, Once On This Island and many more! Outside of performing with Charleston Stage, Jah'Mar's artistic background includes choreographing and directing for children's theater productions throughout the Charleston Area.

BRENDAN CONSIDINE (Student Ensemble)
Brendan is absolutely stoked to join Charleston Stage! Brendan is originally from Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. He recently made is Charleston Stage debut as Grover in The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical. Previous credits include Merrily We Roll Along (Charley Kringas), Crazy for You (Sam), Bright Star (u/s Jimmy and Billy), Legally Blonde. He recently graduated with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina this May. Brendan was also a member of the Inclusive Theatre club at CCU. He feels extremely lucky to have the support of his family and friends and could never have made it here without them. Chants up. Instagram: @brendan_considine

XANIE DANIELS (Student Ensemble)
Xanie is thrilled to be a cast member of The Prom as their debut show with Charleston Stage! They were originally from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where they were a member of Show Kids Invitational Theatre. Xanie was last seen in Impact Creative Arts production of High School Musical (Troy Bolton). Xanie recently graduated high school at the top of their class, and in their free time is a figure skater. They would like to thank their friends, family, and past directors for their encouragement and support in their theatre career!

CODY ELSENSOHN (Student Ensemble)
Cody is thrilled to return to Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor this season. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Cody earned his B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Southern Mississippi (2022). Charleston Stage credits include Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief), Pablo (Native Gardens), Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), Crusader Ancestor, Gomez u/s (The Addams Family), and Max (The Play That Goes Wrong). Cody would like to express sincere thanks to his family and friends for their support, love, and encouragement. Keep up with him on Instagram @cody.elsensohn
 

JACOB FEIGHT (Student Ensemble)
Jacob is excited to make his return to Charleston Stage after his time in the TheaterWings Apprentice Program. Some of his credits include, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Christopher), Helium (Ethan), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Les Misérables (Jean Valjean). Jacob studied musical theater at New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts and would like to extend his gratitude to his mother for “her never ending support and love in all endeavors.”

CAITLYN FORTNER (Student Ensemble)
Caitlyn is a senior at Ashley Ridge High School. She is beyond excited to return to the stage for this seasons first MainStage production. Caitlyn has been a member of Charleston Stage’s Performance Troupe since 7th grade, appearing in The Addams Family (Ensemble), James and the Giant Peach (Lahdalord), ELF (Ensemble) and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Imogene). She also recently performed in Little Women (Jo) at her high school for their spring production and performed in the 2022 Piccolo Spoleto Rising Stars program (Musical Theater). She enjoys horseback riding, playing the ukulele, and competitive dance. Caitlyn is extremely excited to perform in The Prom with such a talented cast. Caitlyn is forever thankful for her family and friend’s support and gratitude during her acting journey!

SYBIL FREEDMAN (Student Ensemble)
Sybil is excited to be performing in her sixth Charleston Stage production at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Her performances include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in 2016 and 2022, A Christmas Carol in 2017, Number the Stars in 2019, and The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe in 2020. Sybil is currently a junior at James Island Charter High School and a member of the Charleston Stage TheatreWings program. Sybil would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support, and everyone at Charleston Stage for their guidance and instruction.

BRIETTA GOODMAN (Adult Ensemble)
Brietta (she/her/hers) is ecstatic to be back this season! She was last seen as Clarisse/Mrs.Dodds in The Lightning Thief, Mrs. Hawkins in Treasure Island, Asaka in Once On This Island, Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web, Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Tabor in A Christmas Carol, and the Flapper Ancestor in The Addams Family! Originally from Horn Lake, Mississippi, she received a A.A. in Theatre from Northwest Mississippi Community College and is a recent graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.A. in Theatre with credits including Cathy Haitt in The Last Five Years, Bunny in Detroit '67, and Lucy Grant in Bright Star. She is so grateful for this opportunity and the support she has received from her friends and family going on this new journey! Stay Connected: https://briettagoodman99.wixsite.com/actor-performer

CHERIE KAUFMAN (Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Angie Dickinson)
Cherie is so excited to be going back to “prom” with Charleston Stage Company! Cherie was last seen on the Dock Street Theatre stage as Nicola in Kinky Boots, Brooke/Vicki in Noises Off, and Charlotte Dennon/Ensemble in both the 2019 and 2021 production of Elf The Musical. Favorite theatre credits include: Sheryl in She Drives Me Crazy (34 West Theatre Company), Sandy in Grease, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Isabel in Scrooge: The Musical, Ensemble in Bye Bye Birdie (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts), Ensemble in Memphis (Cape Fear Regional Theatre), Woman C in Three Tall Woman, Daisy in Biloxi Blues (South of Broadway Theatre Co.), and Amelia Sedley in Vanity Fair (Woolfe Street Playhouse). Cherie was also a part of the New York staged reading of the Broadway-bound new musical, The Collin’s Boy starring Lisa Howard as well as Frank Wildhorn’s U.S. Premiere of The Count of Monte Cristo. A big thank you to Marybeth, Sam, Cara, and the whole Charleston Stage family! @millennialmindsetcoaching

ELIZA KNODE (Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Mrs. Greene)
Eliza is beyond excited to return to Charleston Stage for their 46th Season! Some of her previous credits include: The Addams Family (Morticia), JFK & Inga Binga (Inga Arvad), Into the Woods (Witch), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena). Eliza earned her B.F.A in Musical Theatre from the University of Miami. She would like to extend gratitude to her family, friends, and teachers around the globe who support her. Website: https://elizadknode.wixsite.com/mysite / Instagram: @eliza.knode

ANTHONY T. MATREJEK (Student Ensemble)
Thank You God for granting us life, friends, happiness & the ability to come together today to share the incredible talents You have gifted this cast, crew & production team. Thank you Mom & Dad for always encouraging me to do everything I put my mind to & for supporting me when I put my mind to too much. Thank you E, T, D & S (but not you Meagan), I cherish every moment & memory we make together, & I am proud to be your brother. Thank you to all the coaches, teachers & mentors who helped me grow as a performer especially Trish Bradshaw of Dance Studio B in Wilson, NC; Olin Cramer of Grassroot Gymnastics in Charleston, SC; & Amy Billings of Summerville, SC. Visit: anthony.matrejekfamily.com & don't follow him on social media.

KYRA MCKILLIP (Student Ensemble/Understudy for Emma Nolan)
Kyra (she/her/hers) is absolutely elated to be a Resident Actor with Charleston Stage this season! As a native from Delaware, she traveled a few hours for her college experience to WVU. She recently graduated from West Virginia University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a minor in Entertainment Media. Some of her favorite past roles are Alice in Bright Star, Ms. Gardner in Carrie The Musical, Amneris in Aida, and Eva Peron in EVITA. She is incredibly grateful to her family and friends for their endless support and can't wait to see where life takes her as a newfound college graduate! Stay Connected: kyramckillipofficial.com / Instagram: @K.yraleigh

CLYDE MOSER (Mr. Hawkins)
Clyde (he/him) is a Charleston-based educator, director, and performer. Clyde is a graduate of the College of Charleston with his M.A.T. in Performing Arts and is the new Theatre Director at Wando High School. Clyde was honored by the Kennedy Center with the KCACTF Distinguished Director and Performance awards for his work on the CofC production of Violet. He is currently the Communications & Advocacy Board Member of the SC Chapter of the International Thespian Society. His credits include The Full Monty, Once On This Island, The Addams Family, RENT, A Chorus Line, and the New York Summer Play Festival.

DAYNA NEVERS (Angie Dickinson/Understudy for Dee Dee Allen)
Dayna, a Connecticut transplant, is absolutely ecstatic to be back with Charleston Stage this season as an Acting Ensemble member. She currently is an English educator, and earned her Master’s Degree in Secondary English Education/Curriculum Instruction. Her greatest passions lie in music, theater and dance. Her favorite credits include: Young Frankenstein (Inga), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dorthy), The Full Monty (Pam), The Addams Family (Ancestor), The Prom (Angie) and A Christmas Carol (Caroline). Dayna is continually grateful for the support of her friends and family as she continues to inspire her students and pursue her passions in music and theater.

JENNA NEWMAN (Mrs. Greene)
Jenna is excited to be a part of her first show with Charleston Stage! She received a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Memphis. Some previous credits of hers include Mamma Mia! (Sophie), The Wedding Singer (Holly), and various performances at Walt Disney World. Jenna is a jazz vocalist and has performed in jazz shows off-broadway and with the Orlando Big Band, and she currently sings in jazz shows with her father around the Carolinas. Jenna thanks her family and friends for the endless support!

MARY OTT (Adult Ensemble)
Mary Ott is thrilled to be making her Charleston Stage debut in The Prom! Originally from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Mary is an experienced crossover artist who has performed with countless ensembles nationwide. Previously, she completed her M.M. in Musical Theatre & Opera Performance at Arizona State University, and her B.M. in Vocal Performance at the College of Charleston. Over the years, Mary has delighted audiences in the roles of Emma Jones (Street Scene), Margaret Johnson (The Light in the Piazza), Jo March (Little Women), and Lucille Frank (Parade). Mary recently made her debut at the iconic 54 Below in NYC. Mary’s love for singing was fostered by the many choirs she sang in growing up, and so Mary remains active in the choral world, performing regularly with the nationally recognized Taylor Festival Choir around the Lowcountry. Outside of music and theatre, Mary’s loves include learning, gaming, and caring for animals of all shapes and sizes (especially her cat, Cat). Website: https://mary-ott.com/

RYAN PIXLER (Trent Oliver)
Ryan is a Charleston native and graduate of the College of Charleston with a degree in Theatre for Youth. He was most recently seen on the Dock Street stage as Mal Beineke in The Addams Family. Other favorite Charleston Stage credits include Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Lumière), Mamma Mia! (Harry Bright), Shakespeare in Love (Wessex), A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis), The Producers (Carmen Ghia), Noises Off (Garry Lejeune), and Gershwin at Folly (DuBose Heyward). Ryan is a Kindergarten Teacher at The Cooper School in West Ashley.

ELLIE SCHRUPP (Student Ensemble)
Ellie is absolutely thrilled to be performing in her first show at Charleston Stage! She has been performing since she was six years old and is so excited to continue! She recently graduated high school and is now a Dance major at College of Charleston. Some of her high school roles include, Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family, Young@Part), Kathy Selden (Singin’ in the Rain, Jr) and Scarecrow (Wizard of Oz, Highschool Edition). She would like to thank all of her teachers, friends, and family for their continuous support!

MADELINE SMITH (Student Ensemble)
Maddy is thrilled to be making her Charleston Stage debut in The Prom as Kaylee/Ensemble! Originally from Vermont, she recently graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.A. in Theater-Performance and a B.A. in International Studies. Some of her previous stage credits include Cabaret (Sally Bowles), The Addams Family (Morticia Addams), Living Dead in Denmark (Ophelia), and Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney). While at the College, she was a two-time Irene Ryan semifinalist for acting in Region IV. She is proud to call Charleston her home and would like to thank all of her family and friends for inspiring her and constantly supporting her crazy endeavors. Happy Prom!

JOSEPH SPIOTTA (Barry Glickman)
Joseph is over the moon excited to make his Charleston Stage debut as Barry in The Prom! He has performed just around the corner with The Footlight Players as Dave in The Full Monty, and an ensemble member in Spamalot and Gentleman’s Guide at Queen Street Playhouse, and can often be seen singing at his family’s restaurant, Bricco Bracco in Mt. P. Joseph is a Talent Acquisition Manager by day, and a performer by night. He loves musical theater, and loves sharing the message of acceptance. He just wants you to have a good time, be kind, and respect others. Oh, and he’s gay, really really gay! Dedicated to Liz.

LARA ALLRED SWALLEN (Dee Dee Allen)
Lara appeared in Charleston Stage’s Mamma Mia! (Tanya), Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle), Beauty and the Beast (Babette), Noises Off (Belinda), Blithe Spirit, Young Frankenstein, Sister Act, Mary Poppins, Catch Me if You Can, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, Cabaret, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Some of her Village Repertory credits include Daddy Long Legs (Jerusha), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Hallie), Xanadu (Kira), One Man Two Guvnors (Pauline), Marvelous Wonderettes and Winter Wonderettes (Cindy Lou). Lara performs regularly with Village Rep on the Road’s musical tribute series. Other credits include Christine in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Footlight), Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker (Footlight), Charity in Sweet Charity (Flowertown), Laura in The Glass Menagerie (Threshold), Lily St. Regis in Annie (Charleston Music Hall), Princess Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress (D.C.’s Lazy Susan), and Angela in Perfectly Normel People (Footlight, Threshold, NY International Fringe Festival). Lara and her husband, Ian, have a 3 year old son, Abel, and a baby daughter, Hannah.

DOMINICK VENTRELLA (Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Trent Oliver)
Dominick is originally from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and he is delighted to be joining Charleston Stage for its 46th season! A recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Dominick received his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, as well as the 2020 WCSU Theatre Arts Acting Award. His previous credits include The Lightning Thief: Luke/Ares/Gabe (Charleston Stage), Peter and the Starcatcher: Smee (Ives Concert Park), Company: David (Regional Theatre of the Palouse), Gordon Gets Down: Mayor Horne (Forestburgh Playhouse), and Crazy for You: Lank (WCSU). Instagram: @dmventrella

COLIN WATERS (Adult Ensemble)
Originally from Northern Kentucky, Colin got his B.F.A. in Acting and a double minor in Musical Theatre and Arts Administration from Western Kentucky University. Some of Colin’s favorite Charleston Stage credits include: The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), The Play That Goes Wrong (Robert/Thomas Colleymore), Of Mice and Men (Lennie), Footloose (Willard), Bright Star (Mayor Josiah Dobbs), Beauty and the Beast (LeFou), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Voice 4), Shear Madness (Mikey) and Elf (Santa Claus). Other credits include: Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely Johnson), Into the Woods (Jack), and Little Shop Of Horrors (Seymour). Colin was recently named the Best Actor in the 2023 Best of Charleston Awards. You can find Colin on Instagram: @thepapacolin.

EDDIE WEAVER (Sheldon/Understudy for Mr. Hawkins)
Eddie is ecstatic to be joining the Charleston Stage family for their 46th season! Originally from Atlanta, GA, he graduated from Columbus State University with his B.A. In Theatre Performance. Some of his favorite credits include: The Wiz (Lion), Once On This Island (Agwe), and Detroit '67 (Sly). Eddie would like to send his appreciation and gratitude to his loving family, friends, and teachers who have poured so much into him over the years. If you'd like to keep up with Eddie's journey, follow him on Instagram: @Eddiejihad

CHLOË WENDLER (Student Ensemble/Understudy for Alyssa Greene)
Chloë is super excited to be here on the Dock Street stage after just recently making her Charleston debut last month in The Lightning Thief! Past credits include Little Sally (Urinetown: The Musical) and Kate (Legally Blonde: The Musical). Chloë would like to thank her friends, family, and every mentor she’s had along the way for their unwavering support and love. Website: www.chloewendler.com | Instagram: @chloewendler | TikTok: @chloewiththefancye

MATTHEW WILLINGHAM (Adult Ensemble/Understudy for Barry Glickman)
Matthew is delighted to be back on the Dock Street stage in one of his favorite shows! Matthew graduated from the College of Charleston in 2017 with a B.A. in Theatre Performance. Previous Charleston Stage credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Mrs. Bumbrake), The Little Mermaid (Flotsam), Elf (Ensemble), Hairspray (Ensemble), and others. When not performing with Charleston Stage he can be found either on stage, behind the scenes, or working concessions around the corner at the Queen Street Playhouse! Past QSP roles include A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder (D'Ysquith Family), Spamalot (Historian, Herbert, others), Ruthless! (Slyvia St. Croix), and A Very Merry Footlight Holiday Special (co-writer and Liza Minnelli). He would like to thank his friends and family for their never ending love and support!

JHONIKA WRIGHT (Emma Nolan)
Jhonika is thrilled to be returning to Charleston Stage for her second year as a Resident Actor! Originally from Maryland, Jhonika spent most of her life in Arkansas where she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include Ti Moune and Erzulie (Once On This Island), Wendla (Spring Awakening), Cairo (We Are the Tigers), Grizabella (Cats), and Yertle the Turtle (Seussical the Musical). Sending all the love to her incredible family and friends for their endless support, “This one is for you!” To keep up with all things Jhonika, you can visit her Instagram: @jhonikaaaa

Content Guide

We are always excited to see families at the theatre, and we know that parents may want more information on content when deciding if a show is appropriate for their family. Below is an outline of things parents may want to know about The Prom.

Trailer